While Kaito and Tiana enjoyed their tea together, two others were present in the subspace hidden within the backyard of Kaito's home—Canalis and Electrone.
Electrone, who had been granted permission by Shallow Vernal to traverse Trinia freely, had learned of Tiana’s meeting with Kaito. She was currently peering out from the pocket dimension Canalis had constructed, using it as a vantage point for "reference."
"I should expect nothing less. Even the Bipolar God looks like she is having a wonderful time. Outputting Envy... 'I'm so jealous that she gets to have tea with Kaito-sama. Sitting across from your Oshi at the same table is so precious it must be a Happy Big Bang. I want to do it too~' ...While this unit does not strictly require sustenance, I can consume food and drink if I set my mind to it."
"Well, I certainly understand the sentiment," Canalis replied. "I have tea with Kaito-sama fairly often myself, and the level of happiness is truly extraordinary. But is it really alright for us to be peeping like this? Just the other day, my face ended up looking like a doughnut..."
"I believe that was merely the deserved outcome for a World Creator who was boasting too much. Outputting Opinion... 'Tiana wouldn't get angry over a little harmless observation. She is fundamentally very kind. Though, she might get cross if we tried to interfere. Hmm...' ...An inspiration has struck this unit."
"I think I’ll take a few steps back."
Canalis quickly put some distance between them as she watched Electrone’s expression shift into that of someone who had just thought of a mischievous prank. Perhaps because Electrone habitually suppressed her feelings, she had a tendency to become somewhat high-strung whenever she chose to output her emotions. She was known to play tricks on those she was particularly close to.
And Tiana certainly fell into that category—a close and trusted friend.
Electrone pointed a finger as if to initiate something... and her upper body was instantly vaporized. She regenerated a few seconds later.
"...My sensors could not perceive that movement. Outputting Astonishment... 'Before I could even do anything, she struck first at a speed invisible not only to Kaito-sama but even to us. That gorilla is insane. Honestly, it’s terrifying to think she was actually holding back while she was in her jealousy-driven Berserk Mode.' ...It seems I should refrain from further such thoughts."
"Well, for Tiana, this is her long-awaited meeting with Kaito-sama. To be honest, even as a long-time acquaintance, I’ve rarely seen her in such a good mood. Haha, she’s clearly delighted by the positive impression she’s making on him. Wait... come to think of it, which fan club did Tiana belong to again?"
"Outputting Answer... 'It is one of the Hardcore Love Factions, though a different one from mine. I belong to the Oshikatsu-leaning faction, but Tiana is in the Watching-over-leaning one. Or rather, she’s in the group that stays devoted while gently watching over a cute Kaito-sama.' ...It seems the Hardcore Love Faction takes many forms."
"I see. Well, I’m also in a different group from both of you—the Fan Club for World Creators whose hearts were pierced by Kaito-sama’s heroic, cool side. Naturally, there will be differences in our preferences. Haha, though no one’s feelings for Kaito-sama are superior to anyone else’s."
"I agree completely. Our priorities may differ, but our love for Kaito-sama is the same."
If one were to draw distinctions, Canalis focused on Kaito’s coolness, Electrone on his preciousness, and Tiana prioritized Kaito’s cuteness above all. Since the tastes of Tiana’s fan club were quite close to Machina’s own preferences, it was a given that Machina and Tiana would get along famously whenever they discussed Kaito.
"Outputting New Topic... 'Since I’ve come all this way, perhaps I should go say hello to Lilia-chan as well?' ...I have souvenirs prepared."
"Hmm, in that case, why not just go with Tiana later? I’m sure she’ll want to give her greetings as well."
"I see. Indeed, making multiple visits would only be a hassle for Lilia Albert. It would be better to accompany the Bipolar God."
"Exactly. Lilia-san shouldn't have any plans to go out today, so you should be able to greet her at the mansion without any issues."
"Then I shall do so. Outputting Request... 'Ah, Canalis. While we’re at it, could you help me decide which souvenirs to give Kaito-sama and Lilia-chan? I’ve already secured permission from Shallow Vernal, but which do you think is best? Is this one perhaps a bit too large?' ...I wish to finalize this beforehand so as not to be rude."
"Let’s see... Setting aside whether she has space in her garden, I think an item over 10m is a bit much for a gift. But you have quite a variety here, and a lot of food... Oh? Don’t tell me you got jealous after seeing Kaito-sama looking so happy while eating Tiana’s otherworldly treats?"
"...That is extremely difficult to deny. It would be a lie to say this unit does not wish to have that sun-like smile directed at it."
"It really was a Geki-mabu Smile, wasn't it? It felt like even those of us watching were going to melt."
As Canalis and Electrone chatted harmoniously while picking out souvenirs, Lilia—who was in her office—felt a sudden, stabbing chill in her gut, as if a block of ice had been slammed into her. She unconsciously clutched her stomach.
Serious-senpai: "Good grief, Stomach Pain Devil-kun... you really have no heart, do you? Stabbing her from a complete blind spot like that... Two otherworld gods arriving at the same time with souvenirs? She’s doomed."